Individuals who register to participate in the PrepareAthon! are counted among those who view preparedness – the readiness of Marines and their families to respond to a natural disaster, cyber or enemy-driven emergency - as a shared responsibility. AP! is a biannual event that provides Marines, families, and civilian personnel the opportunity to assess and enhance their current preparedness plans and resources.

“Across the Asia-Pacific region, from Hawaii to the Republic of Korea and Japan, Marines place a high priority on disaster and emergency management readiness,” said Commanding General, MCIPAC Maj. Gen. Charles L. Hudson. “Our participation with the Okinawa Prefectural Government, during their prefectural preparedness drill in September of 2014, is evidence of our cooperation and interest in disaster readiness here. Across the AOR, Marines remain vigilant, always ready to support responses to disasters, crises and contingencies.”

The active participation of MCIPAC personnel in AP! answers the Deputy Secretary of Defense and White House’s call for department-wide support of the event. As the Nation’s premier force in readiness, the Marine Corps understands that a prepared community at home and abroad strengthens its overall resilience.

AP! culminates in a National PrepareAthon! Day of Action on April 30. Register to participate or learn how to get involved at www.ready.gov/prepare.

• Assembling or updating emergency supplies or kits. Inventory/shopping lists for 72-hour emergency supply kits can be found at www.ready.gov/prepare.

• Signing up for local alerts and warnings and downloading apps, including adding home and cellphone information to the Marine Corps’ enterprise Mass Notification System (eMNS). See MCIPAC EM Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/MCIPAC.EM.

• Obtaining appropriate insurance for relevant hazards. Personnel and families residing in low-lying areas, may want to consider coverage for flood damage as part of their Homeowners/Renters insurance policies

• Making property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage. Secure outdoor furnishings, toys, etc. during typhoon season - June 1st through November 30th.

• Planning with neighbors and fellow Marines to help each other and share resources.

Additional AP! resources are available at www.defense.gov/prepare and www.ready.gov/prepare.

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